The best and worst time of the football season gets underway this week, when the January transfer window rolls into town for another month of excitement, frustration and drama.
Whether it's a new striker to fire you up the table, or a defender to stop you slipping down it, your club will undoubtedly be in the market for new players, with record amounts expected to be spent on new recruits.
But who are the top names to watch out for next month? Metro Sport is here to help.
10. Simon Mignolet
The Sunderland glovesman came into the Premier League as a nobody, but having seen off Craig Gordon, the most expensive goalkeeper in British football, and become the Black Cats star man, other clubs are starting to show an interest in the Belgian.
Mignolet has reportedly been watched by Arsenal and Chelsea scouts in the last few weeks, while Man City need a good backup for Joe Hart. Sunderland could cash in.
Price: £8million.
Interested clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City.
9. Michael Dawson
Tottenham nearly flogged England defender Dawson to QPR in the summer, but the transfer eventually collapsed, and he's since proved his worth with a number of fleeting performances in the side.
However, Andre Villas-Boas wants the money for other targets, and Dawson would be a terrific signing for any of the teams in the bottom half. A rare bargain.
Price: £6million
Interested clubs: Aston Villa, Fulham, Sunderland, QPR.
8. Andrey Arshavin
A Russian genius, Arshavin is still Arsenal's record signing at £15million. But after falling out of love with playing on the wing, and sandwiched between a loan spell back at Zenit, the playmaker is a peripheral figure at the Emirates.
The quality is still there and with Arshavin reportedly desperate to stay in England, he has the little bit of class that can make the difference to those Europa League hopefuls.
Price: £2million
Interested clubs: Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham, Reading.
7. Luis Nani
Nani might think he's Cristiano Ronaldo mark II – but he's not. Still, the back-flipping Portuguese is still a top player on his day, and could well be on the move in the new year, after spending most of this year rowing with Sir Alex over a new contract.
It seems best for all parties if Nani pushes off, and while Barcelona or Real Madrid won't be sparking a mad scramble, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool should take a serious look.
Price: £12million
Interested clubs: Arsenal, Benfica, Zenit
6. Darren Bent
Bent is one of the most prolific finishers in the Premier League, but following Paul Lambert's appointment as manager, he hasn't had a sniff of game time.
Make of that what you will, but a January exit is all but certain, with Bent keen to win back his England place. 'Who needs a cheap, reliable, proven goalscorer,' the transfer Gods ask. 'Me,' will reply just about everybody.
Price: £6million
Interested clubs: Liverpool, QPR, Fulham, Sunderland, Newcastle.
5. Demba Ba
Newcastle say they want to buy players by the bucketload in January, but one suspects they'll spend the majority of the new year fending off interested admirers keen on Ba.
The striker, a free transfer from West Ham, has a good goal record, and a £7.5million buyout clause. Put those two together, and expect a transfer scramble.
Price: £7.5million
Interested clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham
4. David Villa
Villa was the best striker in the world a couple of years ago, and has only had his crown snatched after picking up a nasty broken leg last season.
After that, and the amazing antics of a certain Lionel Messi, Villa struggles for game time at Barcelona, and has reportedly been made available for loan. All the top clubs, and bizarrely Everton, have already expressed an interest.
Price: Loan
Interested clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton.
3. Theo Walcott
Love him or hate him, Theo Walcott is good, and is getting better and better. His contract is up at Arsenal, and in a typical Gunners tradition, they've forgotten to renew it until the last minute.
He has a healthy offer on the table, but Walcott is dragging his heels, hoping others will offer him more cash. A free agent in the summer, a cheeky £6million bid could force Arsenal to sell now.
Price: £8million
Interested clubs: Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool.
2. Marouane Fellaini
When he's not banned for headbutting defenders, Fellaini is one of the most unplayable midfielders in the world, combining power, energy and physicality with great technique and quick feet.
This season has been his best yet in terms of goals, and teams are circling hoping to tempt him away from Goodison Park. Everton’s record signing won't be cheap, but he's certainly worth going for.
Price: £25million
Interested clubs: Chelsea, Zenit, Real Madrid.
1. Radamel Falcao
It just had to be. An unbelievable finisher with a sensational record, Falcao has had a superb 2012, and deserves a bigger platform in 2013 to show off what he can do.
A top Champions League club – or Chelsea – will do, but Atletico want at least £50million for the goal machine’s services – although every penny will be well spent.
Price: £50million
Interested clubs: Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid
~Metro » Football | Metro UK~
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